The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals
"The Focused View" is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest trends, strategies, and innovations in the eye care industry. Hosted by industry expert Michael Nasser, each episode features in-depth interviews with thought leaders and practitioners who are pushing the boundaries of optometry. With a focus on empowering eye care professionals and elevating the industry, "The Focused View" provides valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field. Tune in for engaging conversations, expert analysis, and a clear vision for the future of eye care.
The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals
EP43: Beyond the Brochure: Raising Optical Standards Through Lens Knowledge with Grant Hannaford
What if the biggest breakthroughs in patient outcomes aren't found in new lens technologies…but in how deeply you understand the ones you already use?
In this episode, we peel back the layers of lens design as Michael Nasser sits down with Dr Grant Hannaford, Doctor of Ophthalmic Science and co-founder of the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics (AAOO), to unpack the often misunderstood world of lens philosophy and the growing knowledge gap between lens engineers and practitioners.
It's technical… but in the very best way.
Dr Grant takes us through his journey from dispensing and practice ownership to building one of Australia's leading platforms for advanced optical education. He reveals how returning to first principles is helping practitioners make smarter prescribing decisions, communicate with more confidence, and ultimately deliver better visual outcomes for their patients.
This episode goes far beyond the brochure, the buzzwords, and the marketing claims we've all heard before. If you've ever wanted to deepen your optical knowledge, revisit the "why" behind your prescribing, or strengthen your confidence in lens conversations, this is a must-listen.
—
All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at
https://www.thefocusedview.com.au
—
Key Topics with Timestamps:
1:16 - Dr Grant's entry to the eye care field: From musician to discovering optics
3:47 - Studying optics and hitting the educational ceiling
6:12 - The birth of the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics (AAOO) and its course structure
11:55 - Lens designs and first principle concept
14:28 - The biggest knowledge gap in the optical industry
17:20 - Lack of technical knowledge in the delivery of training
20:10 - Translation of information to patients
24:58 - Reengaging with the fundamentals of lens knowledge
28:24 - The value of first-principle learning: Inside AAOO course structure
33:11 - AHA moment: Radius, Power & What you give up
34:57 - Why lens design is more important than the brand
38:36 - Understanding lens design in theory and real-world practice
44:19 - How to assess marketing ploy vs. technical-based knowledge in lens design
47:38 - The McDonald's analogy
52:49 - The "knife-edge" intermediate zone in progressive
56:25 - Habitual wear context
58:45 - How to match lens design to patient needs
1:03:17 - Lens recommendation based on limited portfolio
1:06:04 - Lab remake rates and warranties
1:11:20 - Physics has rules: Don't promise what isn't possible
1:13:53 - One shift that Dr Grant wants to see in the eye care space
—
Learn More About Us:
Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/
Send us your thoughts about the episode
Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!
